The Paquimé traded in an expansive region that included the jungles of Mesoamerica, and to the north, the Mimbres Valley in southwestern New Mexico, and even the U.S. central plains where Bison roamed. The word for ruins, archeological site, or burial grounds in colloquial Spanish is moctezuma. Did you know that the village of Mata Ortiz was literally built on a sprawling network of Pre-Columbian moctezumas? From these sites local residents have pulled out a treasure trove of grinding stones, bones, tools, and pottery. (The practice is now a definite no no). Most of the ancient pottery found in Mata Ortiz more closely resembles Mimbres pottery (mostly bowls). Mimbres pottery generally had thicker lines, and often a single animal graphic with lines and geometric designs emanating out from the animal. The Mimbres culture habitually buried their dead with pottery over the face. Holes were cut from the bottom of bowls "so the dead could breathe" reports local Mata Ortiz artists. Archaeologists often find the holes cut from the bowls near the body, suggesting that the practice was part of the burial ceremony. Evidence also suggests that often, the pottery used in the burial ceremony was not new, perhaps indicating that the piece was a well used favorite of the deceased. Ancient Casas Grandes or Paquimé (a few miles away from Mata Ortiz) pottery frequently incorporated fine sweeping lines that now are often called "Quezada style lines". Juan and his followers have unquestionably been inspired by the ancient art.